Newbie

[Sara2023]

Morning, new to this site - had fasting bloods done I think back in June HbA1c levels was 6.2

Went on holiday for one month and came back to have B12 jab and nurse decided to take bloods for blood sugar at same time (non fasting)

Been told this morning it still 6.2 and they are reviewing my meds

I’m currently on Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, thyroid meds (had it removed) and cholesterol tabs

Now they want to take me off Linagliptin and puttting me on Glicazide

I also have PCOS so resistant to insulin so my body is producing high levels of insulin as it is - read that Glicazide does the same thing -
Im confused and worried about overworking my pancreas.

Any advice to make it clearer

 

[Inka]

Was it an HbA1C test you had done @Sara2023 ? That would be blood taken from your arm. If your HbA1C is 6.2, that’s 44.3 in the new measurements so not even diabetic (it’s in the pre-diabetic range). Is it possible she said 62 not 6.2? That would make more sense with the meds you’re on.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Sara2023

Yes, as I understand it, both linagliptin and gliclazide both work by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas (though I think they do this in different ways).

As you are on medications that can cause hypos, your Dr should have given you a BG monitor and regular supply of strips. Have you tried checking before meals and again 2hrs after the first bite? This can help you to see the way you body responds to the meals you are eating.

If you see high levels after meals, you might like to experiment with small tweaks to your menu? Moderating the portion size of starchy carbs a little so that your meds and menu find a balance? You’d need to do this carefully to avoid risking hypoglycaemia, of course, but it can be a very powerful strategy.

 

[Sara2023]

Hi thanks for the responses above wanted to clarify what my reading was, had appt today and you are correct Inka it was 62 so they want me to get to 40 to be ideal level

I’ve been given a Glucose monitor (had one of these when I was preg and had GD) and just sitting waiting for the new meds

I’ve been trying to read up on diet and it’s something I want to do for the whole family I already drink sugar free, and try and limit my carbs like rice, pots, pasta tbh I’m not really a big eater of rice and pasta but do like my potatoes.
My OH is from west Africa and we have just spent the school holidays out there so u can imagine it was mostly rice dishes.

What do you think of completely no carbs diet I have seen a fb group that promotes no carb diet.

 

[Inka]

There’s no need to eat zero carbs @Sara2023 Low carb is anything under 130g per day. What you’re looking to do is to find a level of carbs that works for you. Your glucose meter will guide you.

Are you on Gliclazide now? If so, don’t cut out all carbs or change the carb amount drastically in one go as you might have a hypo.

 

[Sara2023]

Thanks Inka - glad I don’t have to cut all carbs I’ve only just picked meds up, will start them tomorrow. will spend this evening going through the recipes and eating section of the website to get a feel of what to eat etc, then the next step will be to clear the cupboards and do a Shopping list and devise a meal plan with the kids and OH.

Thanks for your advise much appreciated

 

[Leadinglights]

Thanks Inka - glad I don’t have to cut all carbs I’ve only just picked meds up, will start them tomorrow. will spend this evening going through the recipes and eating section of the website to get a feel of what to eat etc, then the next step will be to clear the cupboards and do a Shopping list and devise a meal plan with the kids and OH.

Thanks for your advise much appreciated

This may be a useful link as it is a low carb approach with real food so should be easier to fit in with family meals https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
The World Foods version of the book Carbs and Cals would be a good resource giving carb values of a whole range of foods and portion sizes (there is a app which is a subscription one now)

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

What do you think of completely no carbs diet I have seen a fb group that promotes no carb diet.

I don’t think that is necessary at all, and involves a lot of restriction for no real benefit as far as I’m concerned.

To attempt to eat zero carbs would mean eating absolutely no vegetables, no eggs, or cheese, no dairy (or plant-based alternatives). You couldn’t even have fibre supplements like psyllium husk to relieve constipation. These items have important vitamins, trace elements, and minerals, as well as fibre. They are also delicious!

All you’d have left to eat would be meat, oil, and water.

It may be technically possible in an experimental sense, but I really can’t see the need or necessity.

Diabetes isn’t an allergy to carbohydrates - it is just an impairment in the ability to process them, meaning that a slight change in the balance of macronutrients (carbs / fats / proteins) can be helpful.

 

[Lucyr]

What do you think of completely no carbs diet I have seen a fb group that promotes no carb diet.

Low carb is not advised when on empagliflozin so if you want to drastically reduce carbs you need to speak to a doctor first to adjust your medication.